We won’t know until we try

“You never know what you can do until you try, and very few try unless they have to.” – C.S. Lewis

Most people, me included, often need a nudge or a push in order to step out of our comfort zone. Man, or animal, we often exert more effort and energy to stay in our warm and cozy spot than move elsewhere.

We are naturally resistant to change unless we are convinced that there is a greater benefit, better circumstance or positive outcome. Otherwise, we refuse to budge until we simply have no choice.

At the moment, such a situation is in the making after the Metro Manila Development Authority announced or suggested that carpooling vehicles be allowed on the existing bus lane.

The idea is that passenger vans with 10 persons and the like be allowed on the bus lane. As expected, a small group of commuters have opposed the idea, in defense of commuter interests fearing that the carpool idea might get out of control.

I personally see nothing wrong with the idea since the bus lane is often empty of buses. This is because operators won’t invest the millions of pesos to buy buses that will also be empty most of the day except during rush hour. Between high cost of fuel, registration, franchise, taxes, maintenance, buying buses for public use is not a business worth scaling up.

Since the MMDA announcement was made, I planned on writing an article suggesting that they experiment with allowing TNVS or ride-hailing vehicles such as Grab, JoyRide or InDrive to use the bus lane also.

The MMDA should really find out and publicize exactly how many TNVS vehicles are operating all over Metro Manila, so people have an idea that many of the cars on the road are no longer private vehicles.

The MMDA should also restudy the exemption from coding given to electric cars because their numbers have surged exponentially and now add to more volume in vehicles. Rules must apply to all.

Allowing TNVS on the bus lane could be done on an experimental or “let’s try it out” basis based on time of the day. By doing so, the MMDA can prove or disprove if an idea works. “We will never know until we try.”

While experimentation can be a disruptor, people in Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig have learned from past experience that actually testing ideas ultimately brings the best or most amicable solution.

In order to address the traffic jam that constantly happened at the foot of the Lawton-Sta. Monica bridge, our barangay officials tried three different traffic flow designs.

They tried rerouting cars, placing No Entry here or No Left turn there. The first attempt caused more traffic, the second raised complaints until the right solution worked for everybody. All that took less than two weeks total.

What made all the experimentations work was that everybody was willing or had no choice but to try, while all  the necessary signs and enforcers were constantly on site when needed and because barangay officials were open-minded and considerate.

When the DPWH first presented the plan to construct the Lawton-Sta. Monica bridge between BGC and Barrio Kapitolyo, we the residents howled in protest. The original concept and route was simply unacceptable.

Residents fought tooth and nail to protect the barangay from turning into a parking lot. Because of that, “the resistance” even got a “dishonorable mention” during one SONA for being uncooperative.

The designs were eventually improved, the traffic routing was studied and restudied until all parties concerned, including the mall across Shaw boulevard, slowly considered the plan. Then Rodrigo Duterte became president and political will fast-tracked the project.

There are still some kinks or imperfections in the Lawton-Sta. Monica bridge, particularly a more pedestrian friendly walkway, lighting and maintenance. Hopefully, Secretary Vince Dizon can have the corrections done.

Going back to carpooling on the bus lane issue,  the MMDA should follow the Barrio Kapitolyo model. Study who will benefit the most, not just by sector or group but in terms of desired outcomes. Is it for speed or faster commute and are there sufficient numbers of vans, etc.

Is the MMDA plan going for faster overall flow of vehicles on EDSA? Is the bus lane the only solution or should it be combined with other policies or rules?

Then there is the public information part. Announce, educate and inform the driving and riding public about the experiment. In the words of a Singaporean official whose name I can’t recall, “The job of government is to implement, not explain.” Put up the signages, the lane dividers and the law enforcers.

And last but not least: try and try until you’re right and if it still doesn’t work, go back to the drawing board. After this, maybe the MMDA can finally give motorcycle riders their own dedicated lane and not wait for the DPWH to think about it. Even this can be done on an experimental basis.

When his enemies called Nehemiah to a meeting in order to delay his project, he replied: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3) That says it all!

*      *      *

Email: [email protected]